Your body is home to trillions of microorganisms, and your vagina is no exception. These microorganisms, collectively known as the vaginal flora (also known as vaginal microbiota or vaginal microbiome), play a crucial role in keeping your intimate health in balance. Understanding your vaginal flora can empower you to make informed choices about your health. Below, we dive into what vaginal flora is, how to care for it, and what can disrupt its balance.

What is vaginal flora?

The vaginal flora refers to the community of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that live in your vagina. While the word “bacteria” often has a bad reputation, not all bacteria are harmful. Many are beneficial and essential to maintaining your health.

The superstar of vaginal flora is a type of bacteria called Lactobacillus. These lactic acid-producing bacteria help keep the vaginal pH slightly acidic. A healthy vaginal pH is typically around 3.8 to 4.5. This acidic environment creates a natural barrier against harmful bacteria and infections. Essentially, your vaginal flora is like a team of hardworking gatekeepers, ensuring everything stays in harmony.

An imbalanced vaginal flora can lead to yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis (BV), cytolytic vaginosis (CV), aerobic vaginitis (AV), and other vaginal infections. 

What can disrupt your vaginal flora?

Normal vaginal flora is dynamic, so it changes day by day. Part of that is because, despite your body’s best efforts, certain factors (many of which are unavoidable) can upset the balance of your vaginal flora. Here are some common risk factors:

  • Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, postpartum, menopause, or while using hormonal birth control can affect your vaginal microbiome.
  • Infections: Conditions like bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections happen when harmful bacteria or yeast overgrow, disrupting the balance.
  • Feminine hygiene products: Scented soaps, douches, and perfumed hygiene products can irritate the vaginal lining and disturb the natural flora.
  • Unprotected sex: Sexual activity can introduce new bacteria to the vagina, potentially disrupting the existing microbiome. Semen can also increase the vaginal pH. 
  • Stress: Chronic stress and inadequate sleep can impact your immune system, indirectly affecting your vaginal health.
  • Smoking: Smoking can negatively impact your vaginal microbiome by reducing levels of vaginal Lactobacilli and increasing the risk of infections.

Antibiotic use:Antibiotics (especially broad-spectrum antibiotics) can kill both harmful and beneficial bacteria, disrupting the balance of your vaginal flora.

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How to look after your vaginal flora

Maintaining a healthy vaginal microbiome doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some practical tips to keep your vaginal flora in tip-top shape:

  1. Practice good hygiene: Use warm water and a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser for the vulva. Avoid vaginal douching, as it can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria.
  2. Adopt a balanced diet: There isn't much evidence to show that your diet directly impacts vaginal health, but research has found a link between the gut and vaginal microbiome. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains supports overall health, including your microbiome(s). Probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables can help maintain healthy bacterial levels in the gut, which could be beneficial for the vagina, too.
  3. Be cautious with antibiotics: While antibiotics are often necessary (especially in the case of bacterial vaginosis and STIs), they can wipe out good bacteria along with the bad. If you’re prescribed antibiotics, take them as instructed (always finish the full course) and ask your healthcare provider about probiotics to support your microbiome. If your infection returns after taking antibiotics, ask your provider about alternative treatment options.
  4. Practice safe sex: Condoms not only prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) but also protect against introducing unfamiliar bacteria. Using condoms is especially important if you have multiple sexual partners, which can put you at an increased risk of bacterial vaginosis.
  5. Consider probiotics: Research suggests that keeping up with the right probiotics can help maintain your protective vaginal microbiome and boost your overall health.
  6. Monitor your microbiome: Evvy’s Vaginal Health Test uncovers over 700 bacteria and fungi with one swab and provides personalized insights into your vaginal microbiome.

When to see a healthcare provider

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, things may feel off. Signs that your vaginal flora might be out of balance include: 

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare professional. They can identify the cause and recommend the appropriate treatment.

FAQ

What does intimate flora mean?

Intimate flora refers to the natural community of microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, that live in the female genital tract. These microorganisms — especially Lactobacillus species — play a crucial role in vaginal health by producing lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide to keep the vaginal pH acidic and prevent infections.

What does it mean when you have a shift in flora?

A shift in vaginal flora refers to a change in the balance of microorganisms that naturally live in the vaginal tract. Normally, the vaginal flora is dominated by Lactobacillus species, a type of bacteria that helps maintain an acidic pH and protect against harmful microbes. Normal vaginal flora isn't static, so it's normal for it to change day by day. That said, when this balance is disrupted too much, it can lead to an overgrowth of other bacteria, fungi, or pathogens. This imbalance is often associated with conditions such as bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, or other vaginal infections. Several things can affect vaginal flora, including antibiotic use, hormonal changes, sexual activity, stress, douching, and even smoking. Symptoms of an imbalance might include unusual vaginal discharge, vaginal odor, itching, or irritation.